Sushi first reached New York in the 1980s and has only grown in popularity since. You no longer have to travel to get it, however, as there are now 4 Japanese restaurants right here. I’ve eaten at every one of them and all of them serve great quality food. (Note that beer, wine and saki are available at these locations except, ironically, the one called…
Drunken Fish!
Drunken Fish Sushi & Lounge
52-35 Metropolitan Avenue
Ridgewood, NY 11385 • (718) 821-1283
Open 7 Days: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
drunkenfishsushiny.com
Drunken Fish is kind of an oasis in the food desert that exists along the western end of Metropolitan Avenue. It’s technically in Ridgewood although it sits on the Maspeth side of the street. The food is always delicious, but they are only open for dinner. The sushi pizza and the Brooklyn roll are two of my regular choices. Since opening, they have changed their business model from a lounge to a very popular takeout/ delivery business and do not serve alcohol.
Sakura 7
65-54 Grand Ave
Maspeth, NY 11378
(718) 894-9888
Open 7 days: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
(closed 3:30-4:30PM)
Sakura 7 is a little gem tucked away on the corner of Grand Avenue and 66th Street. They have cute, relaxing décor and welcoming wait staff. The seaweed salad and Spicy Lover rolls are personal favorites, but when I’m in the mood for something hot, I go with one of their hibachi rice varieties. The dining area is not noisy, which makes for pleasant conversation with your dining companion.
New Toyo Japanese Restaurant
73-06 Metropolitan Ave
Middle Village, NY 11379
(718) 894-8880
Open 7 days: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The dining room at Toyo feels upscale. The lighting sets just the right mood and the soft leather seats are quite comfortable. This is a family-run establishment, so be prepared to see children helping out. I have only had great dining experiences here and love their sushi, which is creatively crafted and presented. My
husband and I usually split a Valentine’s Pizza and then order our Chef’s Special rolls separately. There is a large selection of maki and hand rolls here and be sure to check the board by the entrance for the day’s specials.
Wakamatsu
70-18 Grand Ave
Maspeth, NY 11378
(718) 898-6800
Open 7 days: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
wakamatsuinc.com
Wakamatsu was the first sushi restaurant in the area and although I won’t name names, I can tell you that Juniper Civic board members have been known to frequent it after meetings. The restaurant offers most of the traditional staples of Japanese cuisine but their menu also has shogayaki, don buri and deep fried dishes. Their beef negimaki and vegetable gyoza are pretty delish. Top your meal off with banana maki tempura. You only live once.
